What does it mean word for word?
The verb 까먹다 literally means "to peel (a nut or fruit) and eat", but it is used colloquially to mean "to forget".
Which one should you use?
While 까먹었어 is a colloquial way to say "I forgot", other expressions focus on the inability to recall. For example, 기억이 안 나 is an informal way to say "I can't remember", whereas 기억이 안 나요 is the formal version of that same expression.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
까먹었어 is an informal expression suitable for casual conversation with friends. You should avoid using it in formal settings or when speaking to superiors. For a more polite and standard way to say "I forgot", use 잊어버렸어요. If you want to express that you cannot remember in a formal manner, use 기억이 안 나요 or the even more polite and respectful version, 기억이 나지 않습니다.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 까먹었어 uses the past tense suffix –었어 to indicate that the act of forgetting has already occurred.
How do you pronounce it?
kkameogeosseo
Did you know?
- The verb 먹다 meaning 'to eat' appears in many Korean idioms to describe absorbing or losing something, such as 'eating' a bribe or 'eating' a loss.
- In highly formal settings, Koreans may avoid saying 'I forgot' entirely and instead use phrases that apologize for their 'lack of attention' to be more polite.
- In Korean, the concept of forgetting is often split between 잊다, which is the act of letting go of a memory, and 기억이 안 나다, which describes the frustration of a memory not 'coming out'.
Examples in context
- 비밀번호를 까먹었어.bimilbeonoreul kkameogeosseo.I forgot the password.
- 그 사람 이름 까먹었어.geu saram ireum kkameogeosseo.I forgot that person's name.
- 숙제를 했는지 까먹었어.sukjereul haenneunji kkameogeosseo.I forgot whether I did my homework.
Example conversation
Minji and Dohyun are talking about a meeting time.
- 민지 Min-ji우리 오늘 몇 시에 만나기로 했지?uri oneul myeot sie mannagiro haetji?What time were we supposed to meet today?
- 도현 Do-hyeon미안, 나 시간 까먹었어.mian, na sigan kkameogeosseo.Sorry, I forgot the time.
- 민지 Min-ji정말? 도현아, 얼른 확인해 봐.jeongmal? dohyeon-a, eolleun hwaginhae bwa.Really? Dohyun, please check it quickly.
- 도현 Do-hyeon아, 7시라고 되어 있네.a, ilgopsirago doe-eo inne.Ah, it says it is 7 o'clock.
